Our Mission In Space

U.S. Space Command, working with allies and partners, plans, executes and integrates military space power into multidomain global operations in order to deter aggression, defend national interests, and when necessary, defeat threats.

Dear Readers:

An isolated satellite ground station in far western Argentina stands as a symbol of the contrasting approaches to space alliances pursued across Latin America by the United States and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). That contrast is the theme of this second quarterly edition of U.S. Space Command’s Apogee magazine. China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) operates the Espacio Lejano satellite control ground station in secret, prohibiting local involvement, as noted in our featured report. The installation is part of a growing PLA network of 11 ground stations across Latin America, established to provide the space coverage from the Southern Hemisphere that the nation lacks. Compare this approach to the genuine partnerships that the United States military is establishing across the region to improve operational collaboration and promote responsible behavior in space. Examples abound, including the participation of Brazil and Peru in the U.S.-based exercise known as Global Sentinel. It’s a contrast brought to the attention of Congress during testimony in 2023 by the head of Miami-based U.S. Southern Command, Army Gen. Laura J. Richardson: “While the PRC consistently works to expand its network of military space infrastructure … we are focused on strengthening relationships with our allies and partners through sustained engagement and investment.” 

Another report, “Space Renaissance,” describes Brazil’s pride in its “space autonomy,” working together in the space domain with both the U.S. and the PRC. Latin America’s most populous country, Brazil has the region’s largest economy and became its first spacefaring nation more than 50 years ago. Brazil stalled in space as economic and social challenges beset Latin America, then made a comeback in recent years — winning certification for the launch of U.S. payloads even as it jointly orbits satellites with the PRC. Analysts inside and outside Brazil say the country will seek out alliances where necessary to help develop its own space defense capabilities, in the same way it developed homegrown aerospace giant Embraer — a global leader in civilian aircraft production.

Other articles in this edition of Apogee describe many of the latest developments in space defense. These include lessons learned from Ukraine’s fierce resistance to the Russian invasion and how space-based communication evened the odds against a superior military force. We also report on the rise of small satellites and counterspace warfare, efforts to mitigate the spread of space debris, what’s at stake for allies as the U.S. works to streamline information classification, and the outlook from a U.S. Air Force executive whose mission is building space alliances. Additionally, this edition contains articles that bring perspective to the state of space defense today: the first stab at conducting surveillance from orbit, satellites that detect greenhouse gases, and the dominance of U.S.-based SpaceX as the launch vehicle for the world.

We hope this second edition of Apogee will stir the imagination and add to the ongoing discussion about security challenges in space. To contribute to the conversation, please send your perspectives to Apogee at  editor@apogee-magazine.com.

Regards,

APOGEE STAFF

Apogee is a professional military magazine published by United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) for foreign partners and allies including senior military leaders, government officials and academic professionals. The goal of the publication and website is to strengthen U.S. security partnerships in space and provide an international forum to address global space defense challenges.

The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the policies or points of view of USSPACECOM or the United States government. The Secretary of Defense has determined that publication of this magazine is necessary for conducting public business as required by the Department of Defense by law.